American teen beaten in Mideast returns to Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Palestinian-American teen who relatives allege was beaten by Israeli authorities earlier this month has arrived home in Florida.

Tariq Abu Khdeir told supporters at Tampa International Airport late Wednesday that their prayers had gotten him through his ordeal.

Officials with the Council on American-Islamic Relations say the 15-year-old suffered head trauma and had to receive stitches on his face.

Israeli authorities investigated what they say was his participation in violent protests over the death of his cousin, 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir. His family denied that he participated in the protests.

Palestinians suspect Mohammed Abu Khdeir was killed by Israeli extremists exacting revenge for the abduction and killings of three Israeli teens in the West Bank last month.